Fabric Interconnect for Modular Solid-State Storage Protocol Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular storage systems face challenges in enabling seamless data exchange between storage modules using different communication protocols and with equipment outside the system, limiting interoperability and data throughput.
Innovation Solution
The storage assembly system employs a fabric with PCIe and GbE switches, 2:1 multiplexers, and dual-mode cross connects, allowing solid state storage modules to interface via protocol-independent connectors, enabling communication across various protocols and with external equipment, even if the protocols are not directly supported by the switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If storage modules use different communication protocols, then interoperability and data throughput are improved, but system complexity increases due to protocol compatibility requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protocol converter as an intermediary component that mediates between storage modules using different communication protocols. The protocol converter translates data signals between incompatible protocol types, enabling storage modules with different protocols to communicate seamlessly without requiring each module to support multiple protocols directly, thus improving interoperability while controlling system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric interconnect is designed with universal compatibility to support multiple communication protocols simultaneously. The fabric can handle both PCIe and SATA protocols through a unified interface structure, allowing diverse storage modules to be connected through a single versatile backbone rather than requiring separate dedicated infrastructures for each protocol type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If protocol converters are added to enable communication between different protocols, then interoperability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protocol conversion functionality directly into the fabric interconnect itself rather than using separate standalone converter devices. The fabric incorporates protocol conversion capabilities at the switch level, combining data switching and protocol translation functions into a single integrated component, which reduces the overall number of discrete devices and simplifies the system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric switches are designed with multi-functional capability to perform both data routing and protocol conversion simultaneously. A single fabric switch can handle multiple protocol types through its multiple ports, eliminating the need for dedicated protocol converter devices and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining broad protocol compatibility.
3Ease of operation
If cable lengths are extended to improve connectivity flexibility, then ease of operation is improved, but signal integrity and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric switches act as intermediary signal regeneration points that receive, regenerate, and retransmit data signals. By placing switches at strategic points in the connectivity path, the system can extend the physical distance between storage modules while maintaining signal integrity, as the switches actively regenerate signals rather than allowing them to degrade over long cable runs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the physical connectivity into shorter manageable sections between storage modules and fabric switches, rather than using single long cables. This segmentation allows each cable segment to remain within optimal length limits for signal integrity, while the overall system achieves extended connectivity flexibility through the distributed switch architecture that can span larger physical distances.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system including a hardware module slot, configured to mechanically accommodate a first hardware module. The hardware module slot includes a hardware module data connector configured to electrically interface with the first hardware module inserted into the hardware module slot. The storage system further includes a fabric that includes a first switch. The first switch includes a first protocol interface to the hardware module data connector and is configured to enable first protocol communications between the first hardware module and a second hardware module. The fabric also includes a second switch that includes a second protocol interface to the hardware module data connector and is configured to enable second protocol communications between the first hardware module and the second hardware module.